All you need to know about Neck Pain Treatments in Singapore
Many people visit their doctor in Singapore because of neck pain. Neck pain usually doesn't happen from one event, but happens over time from the stress of daily activities. The spine degenerates over time, and this can cause neck pain.
There are many treatments for neck pain in Singapore. Some people try over-the-counter medication like ibuprofen without understanding the root cause of their pain. It is important to know how your neck works and why you feel pain so you can take care of the problem. In this article, we will answer some common questions about neck pain so you can understand it better and find the right treatment for you.
Causes of neck pain
There are many common causes of neck pain, such as muscle and tendon strains, and ligament sprains. Most of these issues heal within a few days or weeks. Often, these problems are caused by overuse or overextension, such as from:
Poor posture. If you spend a lot of time slouching or hunched over a computer screen, you might develop forward head posture. This is when your head is pushed too far forward, which can place extra stress on your neck. Looking down at a phone or tablet for long periods of time may also cause pain in your neck, sometimes called text neck.
Sleeping in an awkward position. If you hold your head at a bad angle or twist it wrong during the night, you might have a stiff neck in the morning.
Slouching at a computer keyboard. Most people unconsciously slump, which compresses the back of the neck. This puts extra strain on the bones in your neck, makes tendons tired and damaged, and can trap nerves.
Repetitive motions. Repeatedly turning your head from side to side while dancing or swimming can overuse your neck muscles, tendons, and ligaments.
Trauma. Some types of neck pain can be caused by a fall or impact, such as a sports collision or whiplash from an auto accident.
Other causes of neck pain include arthritis, disc herniation, and cervical spondylosis. These conditions may require more long-term neck pain treatment.
How to prevent neck pain
The best cure is prevention. Instead of seeking neck pain treatment in Singapore, here are a few things you can do to prevent neck pain:
Maintain good posture. Be aware of how you're holding your body throughout the day, and make an effort to sit up straight and keep your shoulders back. When working at a computer, adjust your screen so it's at eye level, and take breaks every 20 minutes or so to walk around and stretch your neck and back.
Use proper form when exercising. Avoid any sudden, jerky movements that could strain your neck muscles. If you're lifting weights, be sure to use good form and lift with your legs, not your back.
Sleep in a comfortable position. A supportive pillow can help keep your neck in alignment while you sleep. If you often wake up with a stiff neck, consider switching to a different type of pillow.
Take breaks when using electronic devices. Avoid looking down at your phone or tablet for long periods of time. When possible, hold your device at eye level to maintain good posture.
Massage therapy for neck pain treatment in Singapore
Massage therapy is often recommended as a neck pain treatment. Massage can help to improve blood circulation and reduce muscle tension. It can also be helpful in relieving pain and improving your range of motion. Massage therapy should be performed by a trained massage therapist. It is important to make sure that you go to a therapist who is experienced in massaging patients who are suffering from neck pain. If not, it could end up making your neck pain worse.
FHYSIO offers massage therapy that is tailored to each individual. We have a physiotherapist on site who will assess your needs and make sure that the massage is effective and safe. Our masseuses are highly skilled and experienced, and often work with patients who suffer from neck and shoulder pain.
Other common treatments for neck pain in Singapore
Most cases of neck pain are not life-threatening and improve with time and conservative medical treatment. The main factor that determines the treatment plan is figuring out where and what is causing the pain. Neck pain can be very debilitating and painful, but many symptoms can be relieved through nonsurgical management.
If you have persistent neck pain, your doctor may prescribe a physical therapy program. This program will help improve your neck strength and flexibility. The number of sessions you have each week will vary depending on your specific diagnosis and situation. You may need to start with multiple sessions per week with a trained physical therapist. Eventually, you may be able to continue prescribed exercises at home.
The doctor may also prescribe medications to reduce the pain or inflammation and muscle relaxants to allow time for healing to occur.
There are a few things you can do to help reduce pain and irritation in your spine. You can reduce physical activities, wear a cervical collar for support, and get trigger point injections. If the pain doesn't go away, you may be recommended epidural steroids. These treatments usually continue for six to eight weeks.
When to see a doctor for neck pain
If you have persistent neck pain that doesn't go away with self-care measures, it's important to see a doctor. You should also see a doctor if your neck pain is accompanied by other symptoms, such as numbness, tingling, or weakness in your arms or legs. These could be signs of a more serious condition, such as a pinched nerve or herniated disc.
At FHYSIO, we offer a variety of services to help treat neck pain. We have a team of experienced physiotherapists who can create a customized treatment plan for you. We also offer massage therapy and state-of-the-art equipment. If you're looking for relief from neck pain, contact us today to schedule an appointment.
Meet your Physiotherapist
Shaun Toh is a registered physiotherapist in Singapore specializing in acute care, sports and musculoskeletal injury management.
In 2009, Shaun first started out by providing sports massages for school athletes and triathletes to hone his hands-on skills during his schooling days. After graduating, he joined National Heart Centre of Singapore as a Physiotherapist specializing in acute care of patients in cardiovascular medicine, cardiothoracic surgery, outpatient cardiac rehabilitation and musculoskeletal injuries.
Shaun later pursued his studies at Trinity College, Dublin and graduated with a Bachelor (Hons) in Physiotherapy. Whilst in Dublin, Shaun had the opportunity to be trained by their local physiotherapists on various techniques for musculoskeletal, spine and neurological conditions.
Giving credits to his steadfast reputation as a clinician physiotherapist, Shaun was later headhunted by Raffles Hospital. During his stint, Shaun worked with high level athletes from around the world, widening his scope of practice in sports injury management and treatment.
Shaun is frequently invited overseas by various organisations to give courses in the area of Sports Massage, as well as by luxury resorts to be the in-house Physiotherapist for their VIPs. Active in the sports scene, he was previously the Chief trainer for Safra Running Club (TP) and in-house Physiotherapist for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Singapore. Shaun also holds certification in other areas such as Dry Needling and DMA Clinical Pilates.